Best Beaches in Florida - Where to Go, Eat, Drink, and Stay

Florida is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the U.S., offering crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and endless activities. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores, vibrant nightlife, or peaceful retreats, there's a beach for you. Below is a detailed guide to the best beaches in Florida, including top attractions, best bars, restaurants, and hotels for a perfect getaway.

1. Siesta Key Beach – The Softest Sand in the World

Why Visit?

Siesta Key Beach is known for its pure quartz sand, which is so soft it feels like powder beneath your feet. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for families and sunbathers.

Top Attractions:

• Siesta Key Village – A charming area filled with shops, bars, and live music.
• Point of Rocks – A great snorkeling spot with unique rock formations.
• Sunset Views – Some of the best in Florida, perfect for a romantic evening.

Best Bars & Cafés:

• Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) – Fresh seafood, cold beer, and live music.
• The Daiquiri Deck – A popular spot for frozen daiquiris.
• The Cottage – A cozy café with delicious cocktails.

Best Restaurants:

• Ophelia’s on the Bay – Upscale dining with beautiful water views.
• Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar – Famous for its award-winning clam chowder.
• Summer House Steak & Seafood – A top choice for a fine dining experience.

Best Hotels:

• Tropical Breeze Resort – A boutique stay near the beach.
• Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites – A budget-friendly option.
• Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota – A luxurious beachfront hotel.

2. Clearwater Beach – The Ultimate Family Destination

Why Visit?

Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S., with soft white sand, gentle waves, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Top Attractions:

• Pier 60 – A lively area with street performers and sunset celebrations.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Home to rescued dolphins, including the famous Winter.
• Jet Ski & Dolphin Tours – Exciting activities for adventure seekers.

Best Bars & Cafés:

• Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar – A lively spot with DJs and live music.
• Cooter’s Restaurant & Bar – Casual, fun, and great for happy hour.
• Tate Island Grill – A beachside bar with tropical cocktails.

Best Restaurants:

• Columbia Restaurant Sand Key – Delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
• Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – Famous for its seafood sandwiches.
• Clear Sky Café – A local favorite for gourmet brunch.

Best Hotels:

• Sandpearl Resort – A luxury beachfront stay.
• Opal Sands Resort – Stunning views and modern amenities.
• Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach – Perfect for families and couples.

3. South Beach, Miami – Where Glamour Meets the Ocean

Why Visit?

South Beach offers turquoise waters, golden sands, and a buzzing nightlife scene. It’s the perfect mix of beach relaxation and city energy.

Top Attractions:

• Ocean Drive – Famous for Art Deco architecture and lively restaurants.
• Lummus Park – A great place for people-watching and outdoor workouts.
• VIP Nightlife – Some of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

Best Bars & Cafés:

• The Broken Shaker – A trendy cocktail bar with creative drinks.
• Nikki Beach Miami – A high-end beach club with great vibes.
• Café Milano – Italian coffee and delicious pastries.

Best Restaurants:

• Joe’s Stone Crab – A must-visit for seafood lovers.
• Prime 112 – A celebrity-favorite steakhouse.
• Versailles Restaurant – The best Cuban food in Miami.

Best Hotels:

• The Setai Miami Beach – A five-star luxury resort.
• 1 Hotel South Beach – Eco-friendly with a stunning rooftop pool.
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel – Great for families and couples.

4. Destin Beach – The Emerald Coast’s Gem

Why Visit?

Destin Beach is part of Florida’s Emerald Coast, known for vibrant green waters and powdery white sand. It’s an excellent destination for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the shore.

Top Attractions:

• Henderson Beach State Park – A serene beach escape.
• Crab Island – A fun sandbar where boaters gather.
• Deep-sea fishing charters – Destin is known as the "World’s Luckiest Fishing Village."

Best Bars & Cafés:

• AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – Great seafood with a lively bar scene.
• The Red Door Saloon – A casual spot with great beer selections.
• The Donut Hole – The best place for breakfast and coffee.

Best Restaurants:

• The Back Porch – Fresh seafood with amazing Gulf views.
• Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House – Waterfront dining with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Louisiana Lagniappe – A high-end Cajun seafood experience.

Best Hotels:

• Henderson Beach Resort – The most luxurious resort in Destin.
• The Palms of Destin – A family-friendly resort with great amenities.
• Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village – A top choice with fantastic dining options.

5. Key West’s Smathers Beach – A Tropical Paradise

Why Visit?

Key West’s largest public beach offers warm waters, swaying palm trees, and a laid-back vibe. It’s perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sunset celebrations.

Top Attractions:

• Mallory Square – Famous for its daily sunset festival.
• Ernest Hemingway Home – A historic must-see.
• Duval Street – The heart of Key West’s nightlife.

Best Bars & Cafés:

• Sloppy Joe’s Bar – A legendary spot with live music.
• The Green Parrot – A dive bar with a relaxed, old-school feel.
• Cuban Coffee Queen – The best Cuban coffee in town.

Best Restaurants:

• Latitudes – Fine dining on a private island.
• Blue Heaven – Known for its key lime pie.
• Garbo’s Grill – A hidden gem with amazing fish tacos.

Best Hotels:

• The Marquesa Hotel – A charming boutique stay.
• Casa Marina Key West – A historic luxury resort.
• The Perry Hotel & Marina – A modern waterfront hotel.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s beaches offer something for every traveler. Whether you want a high-energy city vibe in Miami, a family-friendly experience in Clearwater, or a peaceful retreat in Destin, each beach has top-tier attractions, incredible dining, and luxury stays. Choose your favorite and start planning your perfect Florida beach vacation!